Know The Right Way To Console People
One should be kind to a fainting friend, but you accuse me without any fear of the Almighty.
My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook. . . when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears. . . The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing to drink, so they die. . . They count on it but are disappointed. . .
You, too, have given no help. . .
Honest words can be painful, but what do your criticisms amount to?
Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?
You would even send an orphan into slavery or sell a friend.
Look at me!
Would I lie to your face?
Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong. Do you think I am lying?
Don't I know the difference between right and wrong? Job 6:14-30.
My brothers, you have proved as unreliable as a seasonal brook. . . when the hot weather arrives, the water disappears. . . The caravans turn aside to be refreshed, but there is nothing to drink, so they die. . . They count on it but are disappointed. . .
You, too, have given no help. . .
Honest words can be painful, but what do your criticisms amount to?
Do you think your words are convincing when you disregard my cry of desperation?
You would even send an orphan into slavery or sell a friend.
Look at me!
Would I lie to your face?
Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong. Do you think I am lying?
Don't I know the difference between right and wrong? Job 6:14-30.
One of the most painful experiences in life is to be misunderstood and accused when you are most in need of empathy. There are times when some of your closest friends and relatives might question your righteousness because of the trials you are encountering. Sometimes you might even be accused of secret sins. That is exactly what Job experienced.
Job's friends were suspicious of his claims of innocence and righteousness. They criticized him for wrongdoing. In their eyes, Job was suffering because he had sinned. They disregarded his desperate cries for empathy.
Listen to Job again: "Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong. Do you think I am lying?" It was evident that Job's friends talked down at him with the assumption that he had committed some sin for which he was being justly punished by God.
There are two important lessons here:
First: We must be careful not to assume that the reason why a person might be going through challenging times is because of sin. Sometimes, like Job, God might allow people to go through severe challenges to build them up and prepare them for bountiful blessings. All through scripture, we see that God allowed some of His choicest servants to be severely tested before He elevated them. Don't be judgmental. Pray instead of criticizing those who are in severe trials. Know the right way to console people.
Second: If you find yourself in a trial, look up unto God who will always be your greatest comforter. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. People might say all kinds of things, assume all kinds of things, and even spread all kinds of rumors about you. God is your vindicator. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand. The wind of adversity will not blow you away. It will only lift you up to a higher elevation of prominence. The Lord is always by your side.
Job's friends were suspicious of his claims of innocence and righteousness. They criticized him for wrongdoing. In their eyes, Job was suffering because he had sinned. They disregarded his desperate cries for empathy.
Listen to Job again: "Stop assuming my guilt, for I have done no wrong. Do you think I am lying?" It was evident that Job's friends talked down at him with the assumption that he had committed some sin for which he was being justly punished by God.
There are two important lessons here:
First: We must be careful not to assume that the reason why a person might be going through challenging times is because of sin. Sometimes, like Job, God might allow people to go through severe challenges to build them up and prepare them for bountiful blessings. All through scripture, we see that God allowed some of His choicest servants to be severely tested before He elevated them. Don't be judgmental. Pray instead of criticizing those who are in severe trials. Know the right way to console people.
Second: If you find yourself in a trial, look up unto God who will always be your greatest comforter. He is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. People might say all kinds of things, assume all kinds of things, and even spread all kinds of rumors about you. God is your vindicator. He will uphold you with His righteous right hand. The wind of adversity will not blow you away. It will only lift you up to a higher elevation of prominence. The Lord is always by your side.
Prayer: Father I thank you for the assurance that even when I am wrongfully criticized and castigated, I can always count on your soothing presence. Amen.